Everyday Heroes: U of R means lots of love during the holidays

REDLANDS - The Volunteer Center at the University of Redlands is reaching out to the community in a big way during the holiday season.

U of R students are coordinating a Warm Coat Drive that ends Wednesday.

The drive has produced a collection of cold-weather items, including coats, sweaters, scarfs, gloves, blankets, quilts and sleeping bags.

"Anything that will keep you warm," said Nicholas Fisher, a graduate management intern.

The volunteer center also provides a tutoring and mentoring program and works with Habitat for Humanity.

"I get the opportunity to work with several groups on campus," Fisher said. "I really get to see the best of our community. I always say we are lucky to be working here and to be able to give back."

Drop-off points include the school's administration building and volunteer center, the City Clerk's Office, the Joslyn Senior Center and the Redlands Community Center.

Another project by some first-year students provided several boxes of peanut butter and jelly and hygiene products that were collected by other students.

The peanut butter and jelly was requested by the Redlands Family Service Association, which provides free meals to needy families.

Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are quick and easy to prepare. Freshmen gathered several boxes in one week in November.

The hygiene drive still is under way and is being conducted by the School of Business. The drive is set to end on Dec.21.

The donated items will be distributed to various agencies in Redlands, including the Redlands Family Service Association, YouthHope Foundation, the Inland Burn Institute and the Step by Step programs.

The volunteer center also took part in a food drive during the school's Feast of Lights, which has collected hundreds of pounds of food in previous years.

"A lot of what we are doing is helping our students get connected to the community at large," said Fisher. "We want to let the community know that we are here and want to be part of the community. We want the community to know that we support it."